The Double

Chapter 130: Concubine

Having roughly guessed Ji Shuran's next move, Jiang Li felt somewhat at ease instead.

The worst situation in any matter was being passive, not knowing what one would face and thus being unprepared. But once one knew, even if facing difficulties, one could always find a way out by following the clues—it wouldn't be hopeless.

Jiang Li knew that after the Xue family case, Princess Yongning had already set her sights on her. Regardless of how Shen Yurong might react, the domineering Princess Yongning would surely find reasons to cause trouble for her. Before this, if the Ji mother and daughter had remained quiet, Jiang Li wouldn't have bothered spending too much time on them. But since Ji Shi remained stubbornly unchanged, Jiang Li felt that keeping Ji Shi in the Jiang family wasn't a good idea.

She needed to clear out the unnecessary people.

Zhao Ke had already left. Sitting on the couch, a question arose in Jiang Li's heart: Why was Ji Shi so relentless in pursuing her? Even if Ye Zhenzhen had left behind a child, she would have been married off when she came of age—there was no need to drive her to utter ruin. Even if they wanted to snatch the marriage with Zhou Yanbang, there was no need to push Jiang Li to her death. Back then, everyone knew Jiang Li had killed her mother and younger brother—it was an undeniable fact witnessed by all. But before that, it was said Jiang Li and Ji Shuran had gotten along quite harmoniously.

There's no hatred without reason. Although later rumors claimed Jiang Li had been scheming, pretending to be friendly with her stepmother only to push Ji Shuran and cause a miscarriage when she became pregnant, Jiang Li thought the original Jiang Li had been too young. Growing up in such an environment with no one to teach her tactics and cunning, how could she have reached such a level as to outsmart even Ji Shuran?

This matter struck Jiang Li as suspicious from the start. However, since too much time had passed, many things were difficult to investigate. Now that Ji Shuran was pressing step by step, it strengthened Jiang Li's resolve to thoroughly investigate this matter. If there were any hidden circumstances, they might become tools to use against Ji Shuran.

Regardless, she would go find Zhao Ke again tomorrow to ask more questions.

With these thoughts, Jiang Li went to sleep.

In Yaoguang Residence, Jiang Youyao was also sleepless tonight.

Her maid Jinhua had been closely following Jiang Li's maid Tong'er in the Jiang mansion corridor today when Tong'er dropped a letter without noticing. Jinhua picked it up and, upon opening it, discovered it was an invitation from the Marquis Ningyuan's residence to Jiang Li. She immediately brought it to Jiang Youyao without delay.

Jiang Youyao couldn't sleep, repeatedly caressing the invitation. It wasn't from Zhou Yanbang, but from Jiang Yu'e. Thinking of Jiang Yu'e, Jiang Youyao gnashed her teeth in hatred. Zhou Yanbang should have been Jiang Yu'e's brother-in-law, but now he had become Jiang Yu'e's husband. Her beloved was now holding Jiang Yu'e in his arms every night. Although Jiang Yu'e was merely a concubine, and although Shen Ruyun was Zhou Yanbang's official wife, the thought that this third branch daughter—whom she had never taken seriously and had always looked down upon—had stolen her man made Jiang Youyao wish she could tear Jiang Yu'e to pieces.

But now, Jiang Yu'e had already been taken into the Marquis Ningyuan's residence. Soon enough, Shen Ruyun and Zhou Yanbang's wedding would take place, and Jiang Youyao could do nothing about it. She wanted to find Zhou Yanbang, but didn't know how to explain things to him clearly. She refused to believe Zhou Yanbang had no feelings for her at all—if not for others' schemes, they should have been a perfect match."Jiang Li..." Jiang Youyao stared at the invitation before her. Jiang Yu'e had always been at odds with Jiang Li and had previously stood by her side. Why would she invite Jiang Li to a gathering after marrying into the Zhou family? Not to mention herself—Jiang Youyao had, after all, caused a scar on Jiang Yu'e's forehead, and the two sisters weren't even pretending to maintain superficial harmony. Yet Jiang Yu'e refused to see her own sister, Jiang Yuyan, and instead invited Jiang Li alone. This was truly intriguing.

During the palace banquet, Ji Shuran had mentioned that the original plan was to frame Jiang Li and Ye Shijie, but for some reason, it ended up involving Zhou Yanbang and Jiang Yu'e. It must have been Jiang Li's doing behind the scenes; she likely struck some deal with Jiang Yu'e. That would explain how Jiang Yu'e got what she wanted. Now, this invitation seemed to confirm Ji Shuran's suspicions.

Only if Jiang Li and Jiang Yu'e had formed a private connection could things have turned out this way.

Jiang Youyao didn't inform Ji Shuran about the invitation. She kept it and had no intention of returning it to Jiang Li. She decided to write a reply in Jiang Li's name to Jiang Yu'e, proposing a different time and place to uncover what Jiang Yu'e and Jiang Li were plotting.

She was determined to expose their schemes.

...

That night passed with various speculations in several courtyards of the Jiang residence. When Jiang Li woke, Yanjing's winter had surprisingly granted a rare day of sunshine.

Snow still lay unmelted in the yard, and the sunlight cast a faint, warm glow upon it, warming hearts as well. Jiang Li planned to visit Xue Huaiyuan after her meal, as was her routine. The Hongxiao Emperor had declared that renowned physicians from across the land would be summoned to treat Xue Huaiyuan, hoping to restore his sanity.

Lately, doctors had been streaming into the Ye residence, including imperial physicians dispatched by the Hongxiao Emperor himself. Yet, after examining Xue Huaiyuan, they all shook their heads, declaring his condition untreatable.

Initially disheartened, Jiang Li was comforted by Ye Mingyu, who reminded her that as long as Xue Huaiyuan lived, there was hope. Moreover, in his current state, Xue Huaiyuan was spared the horror of his prison ordeal and the tragedy of his children's deaths. Perhaps this oblivion brought him a measure of peace. If he regained his senses and faced the cruel blows fate had dealt him, he might come to cherish these days of blank memory.

Hearing this, Jiang Li felt conflicted. On one hand, she longed for her father to recover and recognize her in this lifetime. On the other, forcing him to recall such injustice seemed too cruel—she couldn't bear to inflict that on the poor old man.

Regardless, she would continue her daily visits to Xue Huaiyuan.

Jiang Yuanbai watched her movements with a cold eye. Jiang Li knew her actions displeased him, but she didn't care now; she couldn't abandon her own father.

On her way to the Ye residence, in the corridor, Jiang Li encountered an unfamiliar woman.

The woman was no longer young, yet her features hinted at the grace of her youth. Her attire was neither that of a servant nor particularly elegant, and she was accompanied by only one maid. Her expression was utterly placid, like stagnant water undisturbed for years, devoid of any ripple of emotion.They encountered each other in the corridor. The woman’s maid called out "Second Young Miss" and bowed to Jiang Li, prompting the woman to slowly turn her gaze to Jiang Li and softly echo, "Second Young Miss."

Jiang Li studied her closely. The other’s expression remained utterly unreadable, as if she had been devoid of joy or sorrow for millennia, with nothing left in the world to concern her. Jiang Li said, "Hu Yiniang."

Hu Yiniang was the only concubine in the main branch of the Jiang household. Though the Jiang family was large and prosperous, its internal harmony was merely superficial. Still, Jiang Li found one aspect tolerable: the Jiang sons—Jiang Yuanbai, Jiang Yuanping, and the illegitimate child Jiang Yuanxing—all had only legitimate heirs born to their principal wives. Even if there were concubines, none had borne sons. It was said that Old Master Jiang had doted on a concubine who bore Jiang Yuanxing, leading to many foolish decisions. Old Madam Jiang despised that favored concubine and, by extension, disliked Jiang Yuanxing. Moreover, to uphold the family’s reputation and traditions, she forbade her sons from allowing concubines to bear children.

Yet Hu Yiniang was the only concubine in the entire Jiang residence who had given birth to a child.

Originally a maid serving Old Madam Jiang, Hu Yiniang had been granted to Jiang Yuanbai by the old madam’s arrangement. Later, when Ye Zhenzhen married into the family and remained childless for three years, the maidservant assigned to share the master’s bed unexpectedly conceived first. Old Madam Jiang had intended to administer medicine to prevent the birth, but Ye Zhenzhen, soft-hearted, pleaded on her behalf, allowing the child to be born.

The child was a daughter—the Jiang family’s eldest young miss. Not long after, Jiang Li was born. The maidservant was then formally elevated to concubine. It was said that Hu Yiniang never contended for favor, remained gentle and kind, and got along well with Ye Zhenzhen. After Ye Zhenzhen passed away shortly after giving birth to Jiang Li, Hu Yiniang fell into a prolonged depression.

Later, when Ji Shuran entered the household, and Jiang Li was two years old, the Jiang family’s eldest young miss tragically fell from a rockery while playing in the garden and could not be saved. From then on, Hu Yiniang grieved day and night, nearly descending into madness. She secluded herself in her courtyard, clutching a pillow and humming lullabies, rarely appearing in public. Out of regard for their years of master-servant bond, Old Madam Jiang continued to assign maids to attend to her. After all, the Jiang family could afford the expense—it was merely an extra mouth to feed and caused no real trouble.

Hu Yiniang looked at Jiang Li and gave a slight nod.

A flicker of doubt crossed Jiang Li’s mind. Everyone claimed Hu Yiniang suffered from mild madness, and Jiang Li had only glimpsed her from afar during family banquets. Now, up close, she observed that although Hu Yiniang’s expression was placid and unreadable, her eyes were not the clouded gaze of someone insane. Unlike Xue Huaiyuan, her demeanor was distant yet lucid.

After a moment’s contemplation, Jiang Li suddenly said, "The sunlight is lovely today, and your courtyard seems nearby, Hu Yiniang. I’d like to visit for a while—you wouldn’t refuse, would you?"

Everyone was taken aback.

Bai Xue and Tong’er were puzzled; Jiang Li had no prior interaction with Hu Yiniang, who was virtually invisible in the household. Why would she seek to befriend her now?

The maids beside Hu Yiniang were equally surprised. Accustomed to isolation in the Jiang residence, they were seldom remembered by anyone besides Old Madam Jiang. Even Jiang Yuanbai might have forgotten he once had such a concubine. Yet Jiang Li’s approach was warm, her lips curved in a smile that made refusal difficult.

Jiang Li simply smiled as she looked at Hu Yiniang.After a while, Hu Yiniang said softly, "Alright."

Hu Yiniang's courtyard was even more remote than Jiang Li's "Fragrant Garden Courtyard." At least after certain incidents, Ji Shuran dared not openly mistreat the Fragrant Garden Courtyard. But as for Hu Yiniang's courtyard, Jiang Li could only say that if she didn't know Hu Yiniang, she might have doubted whether this courtyard was meant for a concubine or for a servant.

Or rather, even the personal maids serving Ji Shuran and Jiang Youyao lived in more comfortable quarters than Hu Yiniang. The courtyard was small, yet it did nothing to diminish the sense of desolation. There were no decorative touches to speak of. Inside the room, a bed, a table, and a few chairs comprised the entirety of the furnishings.

Hu Yiniang's maid went to pour tea for Jiang Li, who noticed there were only two teacups in the room, and the teapot had a chipped spout. As for refreshments on the table, there were none.

The maid seemed somewhat embarrassed, but Hu Yiniang appeared perfectly at ease, as if she saw nothing amiss. Her expression was serene and detached, and Jiang Li thought she resembled a nun from the Qingcheng Mountain nunnery—free from desires and attachments, as if she might ascend with the wind at any moment.

"Hu Yiniang's quarters are rather bleak," Jiang Li remarked. "In winter, why isn't there even a brazier for warmth?"

The maid, as if finally finding someone in authority who was willing to speak up for them, nearly burst into tears from grievance. "When we go to the kitchen for charcoal, they only give us damp, moldy lumps. Even after drying, it's the lowest grade—when burned indoors, it smokes so badly it makes everyone cough... If Second Miss pities our Yiniang, could you please say something to the kitchen? Our Yiniang has suffered frostbite several times this winter already, and her knees are covered in old injuries."

Jiang Li asked, "Why not go to Mother? She holds the authority over the household. A small matter like this, she would surely address it for you."

The maid immediately fell silent. Hu Yiniang said, "It's nothing. I'm used to it. I'm not cold."

Her voice was so soft that one had to listen carefully to hear it. Jiang Li observed her—this woman was certainly not someone suffering from hysteria. Nor was she attempting to conceal her lucidity in Jiang Li's presence. It wasn't Jiang Li she needed to hide from; it was Jiang Li she intended to confide in.

But for what purpose?

Jiang Li smiled and said, "I heard that when Mother first gave birth to me, Hu Yiniang often held me. So many years have passed, and I don't remember much from back then. Seeing you now, I feel both unfamiliar and yet strangely close."

This was, of course, a fabrication by Jiang Li, as she was not the real Second Miss Jiang. Even if she were, she would hardly remember such things, given how young she had been at the time.

But these words seemed to stir distant memories in Hu Yiniang. Her gaze grew distant, and she slowly said, "Yes, back then..."

She did not continue.

Jiang Li asked, "Back then, what exactly happened when Elder Sister fell from the artificial hill?"

This sudden question stunned everyone in the room.

Bai Xue and Tong'er were too shocked to speak. Although Hu Yiniang now seemed like a good person, bringing up such a painful memory in front of a mother—what if Hu Yiniang broke down and her hysteria resurfaced? What would they do then?

Hu Yiniang's maid, however, trembled slightly as if she had received some terrifying news.Hu Yiniang's gaze fell upon Jiang Li, a flicker of something passing swiftly in her eyes as she asked, "What do you mean by that?"

"I'm merely asking whether there might be some hidden circumstances behind Eldest Sister's death back then. For instance, was she... murdered?"

Her words were bold and unflinching, striking blow after blow, leaving the maidservants uncertain of how to react. Yet Jiang Li's expression remained calm, as though she were discussing the most ordinary matter.

But Hu Yiniang's composure shattered.

She said, "Second Young Lady, choose your words carefully. Some things... cannot be spoken of within this mansion."

"So that's why you pretend to suffer from hysteria, feigning ignorance of the truth, playing deaf and dumb just to survive by chance. Yet you endure heart-wrenching pain every day, unable to move past your daughter's death." Her eyes swept over the objects on the table in the room.

The Jiang family's eldest daughter had died young, deemed unworthy of entry into the family ancestral hall. So Hu Yiniang had placed her spirit tablet in her own room, making daily offerings until the scent of incense and candles perpetually lingered in the air. On the table were also children's toys—a rattle drum and the like—revealing how Hu Yiniang still couldn't let go.

After all these years, she should have moved on. That she remained so deeply attached, unable to release her grief or find peace... didn't it suggest her daughter's death held some injustice she couldn't accept? Helpless yet unwilling to surrender, she could only live on, swallowing her resentment and hatred.

But she never dared forget, not for a single moment.

Jiang Li looked at her and spoke gently, "Hu Yiniang, if Eldest Sister were still alive, she would have married this year. She was older than me—she must have been very beautiful."

Hu Yiniang closed her eyes briefly. Jiang Li noticed her hands on the table slowly clenching, then relaxing. She looked at Jiang Li and said, "Second Young Lady, this humble woman knows nothing."

Jiang Li watched her quietly for a moment before responding, "Is that so? What a pity." She stood up, casually brushing her clothes as she added, "I had thought that if there truly were hidden circumstances, perhaps I could be of some assistance. Not that I wish to help you, Hu Yiniang—I simply feel sorry for Eldest Sister."

Hu Yiniang's lips moved without uttering a word. Jiang Li called for Tong'er and Bai Xue and began walking out, remarking as she went, "I have matters to attend to today, so I won't linger. Your quarters lack charcoal, Hu Yiniang—it's far too cold here. If you have anything you wish to tell me, you're welcome to visit me at Fragrant Garden Courtyard. We have ample charcoal there, so it's never cold. I think you should visit more often... after all, my mother and you were once quite close."

With these words, she stepped through the doorway without looking back.

Hu Yiniang didn't watch her leave, focusing instead on the tea in her cup. It was coarse, inferior tea that the maidservant carefully saved for rare guests—though visitors seldom came to this courtyard. Stored too long in the damp room, the tea had spoiled.

The maidservant ventured, "Yiniang..."

Hu Yiniang sighed softly. "The Second Young Lady has grown up."

The maidservant remained silent.

"If my daughter were still here..." she murmured, "she would have grown up too."

"Yiniang, what should we do now?" the maidservant whispered. "With the Second Young Lady coming here, the Madam is bound to find out.""There is no doubt that the Second Young Lady and the Madam will fight to the death." Hu Yiniang calmly lowered her gaze and said, "Now is the time."

After leaving Hu Yiniang's courtyard, Bai Xue and Tong'er seemed to finally regain their senses.

"I didn't expect Hu Yiniang to appear perfectly fine, without any signs of mental illness," Tong'er said. "Initially, I heard from the household that Hu Yiniang no longer recognized anyone, but after seeing her today, she seemed perfectly clear-headed."

"I also find it strange," Bai Xue chimed in. "Hu Yiniang is completely different from what I imagined."

"How so?" Jiang Li asked with a smile.

"I can't quite put it into words, but I feel the Hu Yiniang described by others and this Hu Yiniang are not the same person." Seeing that no one was around, Bai Xue leaned closer to Jiang Li and whispered, "Miss, earlier you mentioned that the Eldest Young Lady's death has hidden circumstances—what did you mean? Could it be that the Eldest Young Lady was harmed?"

Tong'er also looked at Jiang Li nervously.

They had heard of such things happening in noble households, but the Jiang family was relatively simple in terms of population. No one had ever considered such a possibility before. However, recalling the implications in Jiang Li's conversation with Hu Yiniang, it sent chills down their spines.

"It's not confirmed yet, so don't speak carelessly," Jiang Li said. "Don't let anyone else know about this. We'll observe further."

Bai Xue and Tong'er immediately fell silent.

Jiang Li, however, already had a rough idea. Since Hu Yiniang did not deny it, it meant the Eldest Young Lady's death was indeed not an accident. Hu Yiniang's warning also seemed to confirm that she had remained silent out of fear of someone.

The third branch of the Jiang family, being illegitimate children, could be set aside for now. The second branch had no reason to target a concubine of the main branch. Only the main branch remained... The Eldest Young Lady met her misfortune after Ji Shuran entered the household. Based on Jiang Li's current understanding of Ji Shuran, she would not be surprised by anything Ji Shuran might have done.

If Ji Shuran was truly involved in the Eldest Young Lady's death, then Jiang Li would have to view Hu Yiniang in a new light. To endure a blood feud yet not depend on Ji Shuran, instead living in destitution—this was not mere survival but waiting for an opportunity. Once the chance arose, she would seek revenge, just like Jiang Li herself.

Now, all that remained was to gather more information.

After leaving the Jiang residence, Jiang Li went to the Ye residence as usual to visit Xue Huaiyuan. However, preoccupied with thoughts of Hu Yiniang, she was somewhat absent-minded during her visit.

Ye Shijie noticed her state and assumed Jiang Li was worried that the Xue family case involved Princess Yongning and that she was anxious about offending Prince Cheng. He said, "Lately, Prince Cheng has been busy with his own affairs. His Majesty intends to weaken Prince Cheng's power, so Prince Cheng has no time to concern himself with the Xue family case. You need not worry." He paused, then added, "Instead, I am concerned about Princess Yongning. I've heard this princess acts without restraint. These days, when you go out, bring more guards. If possible, you don't need to come to the Ye residence every day. Third Uncle and I will take good care of Lord Xue."

Jiang Li snapped back to reality and looked at Ye Shijie. Recalling their first encounter when he had been hostile and confrontational, she marveled at how he now sincerely cared for her welfare. The connections between people were truly wondrous, she reflected with emotion. She smiled and said, "I'm fine. After all, I still have the Jiang family backing me. But you—since you're tied to me, if Yongning and Prince Cheng want to target me, they might take their anger out on you. Your position in the official circles will become even more difficult. Be cautious in everything, and if necessary, set aside your principles for now. If something conflicts too much with your values, you can seek help from my father. He prioritizes benefits above all, and now that you're a Vice Director in the Ministry of Revenue, if your promotion benefits him, he'll assist you."

Ye Shijie found it somewhat strange. When Jiang Li spoke of Jiang Yuanbai, it was as if she were evaluating a stranger rather than her own father. Yet he knew she was right. Although Jiang Li was younger than him, she often seemed more worldly and experienced.

He wondered how she had developed such a temperament.

Ye Shijie didn't press further. After visiting Xue Huaiyuan and conversing with Ye Mingyu for a while, Jiang Li returned to the Jiang residence.

There was no telling what Princess Yongning might do. It was better to be prudent. These days, aside from the Ye family, she shouldn't go anywhere else to avoid any unforeseen incidents.

Back at the Jiang residence, that night, Jiang Li stood by the window and once again blew the whistle painted with peonies.

This time, Zhao Ke appeared quickly. Though he tried to maintain composure, Jiang Li could detect a hint of helplessness in his expression.

"What does Second Miss Jiang require?" Zhao Ke asked.

Jiang Li said, "Zhao Ke, you came to the Jiang family seven years ago. I had already left for Qingcheng Mountain by then, and you weren't with the Jiang family before that either. But I believe your master must have had you investigate events that occurred in the Jiang family prior to your arrival."

Zhao Ke looked puzzled. "This subordinate doesn't understand."

"I think you might know some secrets within the Jiang household—things others are unaware of, things I didn't know in the past. Since you're aware, why not share them with me so I can understand too?"

She spoke lightly, but her words startled Zhao Ke. After a moment, his face turned pale, as if he found her request inexplicable. He said, "This subordinate... does not pry into others' secrets."

He wasn't like those gossipy women who loved digging into family scandals. Jiang Li's words essentially treated him like a servant, and she said it so matter-of-factly!

"Minor matters naturally don't concern you," Jiang Li said, "but you must know about life-and-death incidents. For instance, the Jiang family's eldest young lady, my father's first concubine-born daughter, fell from a rockery while playing in the garden years ago and died. However, I recently heard rumors that her death wasn't entirely accidental. Zhao Ke, do you know any hidden details about this?"

...

In the Duke's residence, the study remained brightly lit.

The guard Wen Ji stood in the study, bowing his head as he reported to the person before him, "Second Miss Jiang blew the whistle again tonight."The young man in red sat at the desk, his robe pooling softly on the floor. In winter, the ground was covered with a thick carpet. The luxurious fabric of his clothing seemed to lend the carpet a gem-like brilliance.

"Oh?" Ji Heng asked, "What is it about?"

"To inquire about the cause of the death of the eldest Miss Jiang many years ago."

"Pfft—" Lu Ji, who had been drinking tea, nearly spat it out. He exclaimed, "Second Miss Jiang actually asked Zhao Ke about such a thing?"

That was Zhao Ke—Zhao Ke, one of the top martial artists in the Duke's residence! To think he was being treated like a gossipmonger, used so casually?

Ji Heng had said to blow the whistle when there was something important, but Jiang Li was blowing it far too frequently. Surely this didn't count as something important?

"She's quite unceremonious," Ji Heng chuckled, his expression unoffended. He merely remarked, "She really doesn't see herself as an outsider."

(End of Chapter)